TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today expressed his appreciation to members of the Florida Legislature for passing anti-counterfeiting legislation, which targets those who manufacture, distribute or possess counterfeit goods with the intent to sell them. The bill also provides enhanced penalties for those who counterfeit goods which cause bodily injury or serious bodily injury. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla (R-Miami) and Representative Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando) and passed as House Bill 1417.

“Counterfeited goods include potentially deadly prescription medicine, defective medical devices and other phony products which could cause serious bodily harm,” said Attorney General McCollum. “Not only do these goods devastate our economy, they can seriously harm our citizens’ health and well-being. I am extremely grateful to our legislative sponsors and the members of the Legislature who are making sure our citizens are better protected from this threat.”

The Attorney General noted that counterfeiting creates serious health and safety risks to consumers who may unknowingly purchase imposter products such as pharmaceuticals, household products and automobile parts. Counterfeiting and piracy cost the U.S. economy $200-$250 billion per year and are responsible for the loss of more than 750,000 American jobs. The legislation is based upon the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s model legislation and passed both chambers today. More information is available online at: http://myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/562EF58DB4AF3D2585257404005D76AA